The Bamboo Grove Temple is located in the midst of Jiashan Mountain. Jiashan is behind Zhaoyin Mountain. Due to the vast bamboo sea covering the mountain, it is also known as Bamboo Grove Mountain. The original name of the Bamboo Grove Temple is Jiashan Chan Courtyard. It was first built by Zen Master Fa’an of the Eastern Jin Dynasty. As the temple is located in the deep and secluded bamboo grove, from a distance, only the bamboo grove can be seen but not the temple, hence its name. In the 38th year of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty (1699), Emperor Kangxi inscribed the temple plaque during his southern inspection. In the 10th year of Emperor Yongzheng (1732), the emperor issued an edict to reconstruct it. There were 259 halls and rooms, with a very grand scale. In the 6th year of Xianfeng (1856), it was destroyed by the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom war. In the 8th year of Xianfeng, Monk Xuefeng rebuilt it imitating the old temple. Just after building a hundred rooms, it was destroyed again in less than two years. In the 3rd year of Tongzhi (1864), Monk Xuwen led his disciples back to the mountain to build it again. The scale was not as grand as before. Nowadays, the Bamboo Grove Temple built along the mountain has a set of stone steps, one layer of platform, five layers up and down. Each layer ascends higher. The bamboo grove is lush, ancient trees reach into the sky, and the winding path is secluded and fascinating. In front of the temple is the Crescent Moon River. On the south side of the river, there are several ancient ginkgo trees, towering into the clouds. In front of the temple gate, there was originally the Ningcui Pavilion, facing the water with the mountain at its back, with beautiful scenery. The Heavenly King Hall at the mountain gate has been renovated and has five rooms. The stone plaque on the door is ‘Bamboo Grove Temple’. Entering the temple from the Heavenly King Hall and climbing up the steps to the third platform, the ground is wide. On both sides, there are east and west guest halls, each with five rooms. They are exquisitely designed and in a simple and ancient style.
Opening hours: The opening hours of Nanshan Scenic Area: 7:00 – 17:30Bamboo Grove Temple
The Bamboo Grove Temple is located in the midst of Jiashan Mountain. Jiashan is behind Zhaoyin Mountain. Due to the […]
